1983 Opel Monza

The Opel Monza was in production from 1978 to 1986, and was a coupe derivative of the new Senator saloon. Facelifted in 1982, it was sold solely as a three-door coupe, and was also sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Royale Coupe. It is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car seating four people, and remains popular as an autobahnstormer with style.

The Opel Monza and its Vauxhall Royale sister were launched in 1978, to replace the Opel Commodore coupe. Based on the Senator, it originally felt too much like a Rekord but when the interior was colour coded with the C package in 1979, the interior felt far more prestigious. An S package offered Ronal alloy wheels and a limited-slip differential. The cars were built in Russelsheim, Germany.

The facelift in 1982 was dubbed the A2 facelift, when the cars were facelifted in line with the Rekord and Senator. A new nose, and new plastic bumpers dramatically updated the look of the car, and made it look rather more sporting into the bargain. A2 Opel Monzas were more upmarket, featuring a standard trip computer and electric mirrors as part of an improved specification. The Royale was not facelifted, and was discontinued in 1984 when the Royale saloon was replaced by the Vauxhall Senator.

In 1983 Opel introduced the GSE edition. Recaro seats, a black interior and a digital dashboard made the GSE cockpit feel like a special place to be, and its dark wheels and lack of external chrome made it look moody to boot. Large rear spoilers and a standard limited-slip differential were also included as part of the GSE package.

In the UK the majority of cars came with a single carburetted 2.8-litre six-cylinder or an injected 3.0. Most feature a three-speed automatic gearbox, though four- and five-speed manuals were also available during the Opel Monza’s life. The Vauxhall Royale Coupe was available solely as a carburetted 2.8. MacPherson front struts were linked to independent rear suspension; a first for the Opel Rekord/Senator series, and a combination which led to sure footed and safe handling.

Opel Monzas feel good to drive – as you’d expect, given that the majority of the floorpan and mechanicals are shared with the Senator. It feels big and comfortable, and yet with the injected 3.0 engine it’s a rapid machine. In GSE trim, with a black interior and digital dash, you could almost be driving your own European iteration of KITT.

Mechanically, it’s mostly Senator and Rekord/Carlton, so parts can be sourced via clubs such as the Autobahnstormers, and via online auction sites. Service items are still easy enough to source – you might have more difficulty with trim, so make sure you buy one with a good interior.

As with any car produced in the 1970s and 1980s rust is a concern, and put paid to several Monzas in the UK. The doors, wings, wheelarches and valances are the key weak points, though the floorpans can go in extreme cases too. Check your potential purchase thoroughly, just to be certain.

The GSE is the Opel Monza that people want, owing to its more menacing look and higher power. Earlier pre-facelift Monzas are less popular in the UK, particularly the 2.8 carburetted variety and the otherwise identical Vauxhall Royale Coupe. GSEs are likely to be the easiest to source in the UK, as more were saved during the model’s years as a banger.

Opel’s own Commodore coupe does a similar job, as do the Mercedes-Benz W123 coupe and even the BMW 6 Series. However, the Opel is seen as less prestigious than the German equivalents. The Ford Capri Ghia is smaller but almost as prestigious.